Avoiding Dry Winter Skin with Maharishi Ayurveda

byvpk® by Maharishi AyurvedaonNovember 2, 2012

Winter doesn't have to be hard on skin

As odd as it may seem, winter is actually the best time of year to nourish the skin, because it is dryer and more receptive during this cold season. This illustrates one of the great underlying principles of Ayurveda: it takes advantage of the natural tendencies available in every season for rejuvenation and purification. In warmer seasons, the skin is naturally detoxifying more, and therefore is less absorbent. In winter months, it’s just the opposite.

Dryness, cracking, dullness and roughness of the skin are common issues in cold, dry, windy weather. This kind of weather, associated with the Vata Season (November to February), increases the dry, cold, rough, and coarse qualities of Vata, both in the outer environment and in our bodies. If the person is by nature of Vata constitution, or is eating a Vata-aggravating diet or living a Vata-aggravating lifestyle, or is in the Vata time of life (from 60 years of age on up), the effect of Vata imbalance on skin is even stronger. Click for more information on diets matched to Vata, Pitta or Kapha constitution.

Perhaps an even more interesting Ayurvedic skin fact is that some winter conditions actually cause heat to build up in the skin. If the weather is freezing but not windy (such as in some areas of the northern US), the freezing temperatures shrink the skin pores, preventing the body from releasing heat. As internal heat builds up, Pitta dosha becomes imbalanced, resulting in increased sensitivity, occasional blemishes, rashes, or sometimes redness. Because of the increased Pitta, this kind of weather can also not surprisingly increase hunger.

A third winter skin condition occurs when the weather is cold and wet, causing Kapha dosha to increase and result in oily, heavy skin. This is more common in late winter, although in some climates, it can be cold and damp all winter long. During this time, toxins (ama) tend to accumulate, which may make the skin dull and clog the pores, and may also cause skin irritation and breakouts.

Below find some helpful hints for nourishing your skin type in all three winter weather conditions.

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.